PARENTS', CAREGIVERS', AND TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

A REVIEW WITH META-SYNTHESIS

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant restrictions that have affected the routines and movement behaviors of children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review of qualitative studies to identify and analyze changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, from the perspective of parents, caregivers, and teachers. This study is a literature review with a meta-synthesis analytical approach to qualitative studies. Studies published from 2020 onward that involved children and/or adolescents (ages 3–18 years) and collected qualitative data from parents, caregivers, and/or teachers about PA/sedentary behavior during the pandemic were considered eligible. Searches were conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, LILACS, and Scopus. Qualitative data were extracted and submitted to thematic analysis and synthesis using natural language processing to group and rank the findings. Eight studies were included in the present review. The results revealed three emerging themes: (I) the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on PA (evidenced by reduced opportunities and increased screen time); (II) adaptation and coping strategies (including the use of online resources and outdoor activities); and (III) challenges and the need for support (such as difficulties in structuring PA at home and managing screen time). In conclusion, according to the perception of parents, caregivers, and/or teachers, the pandemic was associated with a reduction in physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior. Families faced significant challenges in keeping their children active at home and, despite seeking strategies, felt unprepared, highlighting the absence of a school structure and the need for greater support. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening school-based physical education and developing intersectoral public policies that engage families, educators, and policymakers in creating sustainable strategies for promoting physical activity across different settings.